Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that usually affects the small joints of the hands and feet. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints and causes painful inflammation that can eventually lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Along with joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis sometimes affects other body organs, such as the skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels.
Although rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, it is most common in patients over the age of 40. The disease is more common in women
Treatment includes controlling symptoms and avoiding further joint damage
Rheumatoid arthritis develops when the immune system attacks the synovium, the protective lining of the membranes around the joints.
Inflammation causes thickening of the synovium, which leads to the destruction of bone and cartilage in the joints.
The tendons and ligaments supporting the joint weaken and stretch Gradually, the joint loses its shape and alignment
Doctors do not know the cause of the condition, although it is believed that a genetic component is involved in the development of the disease. Although genes do not directly cause the disease, they can predispose a person to certain environmental factors that cause rheumatoid arthritis, such as infection with certain viruses or bacteria.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:
- Painful, warm and swollen joints
- Morning stiffness that lasts for several hours
- Hard lumps under the skin on the arms (rheumatoid nodules)
- Fatigue, fever and weight loss
As the disease progresses, symptoms spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms are present in the same joints on opposite sides of the body
Symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis may vary in severity and may be intermittent. Acute activation of the disease and remission during pathology replace each other Over time, rheumatoid arthritis causes the joints to deform and fall out of their original position
When to consult a doctor
In case of constant joint discomfort and swelling, make an appointment with a doctor
